Recreational Opportunities

Rochester is home to a multitude of recreation offerings. Through public, private and a variety of non-profit agencies, there are facilities, programs, activities and resources to meet just about any need desired. Rochester is fortunate to have valued amenities such as; public parks, playgrounds, sport fields, gymnasiums, picnic areas, pools, indoor skating rink, health clubs, dance studios, golf course, senior citizen center, hiking trails, open land and conservation areas, arts and cultural venues, as well as many more.

The City of Rochester Department of Recreation & Arena Mission Statement reads: “Rochester Recreation & Arena is committed to providing programs, services and facilities that promote a healthy lifestyle and foster meaningful community connections.” A full gamut of programs and facilities support this statement. Rochester Recreation & Arena offers facilities for all ages and demographics within the community. A three court basketball gymnasium, and indoor ice arena with fitness studio, hundreds of acres of public parks and open space, four outdoor swimming pools, six tennis courts, hiking trails, fifty acre disc golf course and other resources all help to generate significant program opportunities. To see a full listing of Rochester Recreation & Arena programs, please visit www.rochesterrec.com.

The YMCA of Strafford County, at its new facility in Rochester, offers a state-of-the-art health and fitness center for teens, adults and seniors. The YMCA offers comprehensive programs for youth and helps adults and the entire family become healthier and more active. The YMCA offers a state-of-the-art early childhood education center for preschool children, a new youth and teen center and afterschool program, large multipurpose room/Kidz gym for children's sports and fitness classes. The YMCA of Strafford County is a community leader in offering high quality summer day camp programs. Camp Coney Pine is accredited by the American Camp Association and is conveniently located in Rochester, New Hampshire on 19 wooded acres. Three different day camps are offered that provide a wide variety of activities and fun. Activities include archery, arts & crafts, drama, environmental enrichment, group games, high/low ropes course along with daily swimming make for a summer full of learning and exercise in a fun setting. Before and after care, bus transportation, swim lessons, and specialty areas are offered at no additional cost.

Roger Allen Park, located on Chestnut Hill Road in Rochester, is one of the best ballparks in New England and was developed by citizens of Rochester. The land was donated by Roger Allen, and the fields were developed by a volunteer effort. The field boasts five softball, ten baseball, five soccer, and one football field that accommodate youth softball, baseball, football, soccer and many other activities for youth in the city and the New England region. The park hosts many state and regional tournaments for youth sports. A playground for children is also offered in the park that is open to the public.

Roger Allen Park is also home to the area’s first “Buddy Ball” field, Howie’s Field of Dreams. “Buddy Ball” is designed for players ages 5-20 who are either physically and/or mentally challenged. Through a state-of-the art bambino field equipped with a special rubberized turf, a “buddy” helps these special needs athletes with swinging a bat, rounding the bases and catching a ball. The Buddy Ball program allows special needs athletes to develop confidence and self esteem while allowing them to become part of an organized team. Rochester Rotary Club Charities officially embarked on the challenge of making this dream a reality by raising nearly $300,000 to construct the field and necessary amenities such as handicap parking and restroom facilities. Roger Allen Recreation Association also partnered with the Rochester Rotary Club on the project by donating the land for the field.

Monsignor Giles Simard Babe Ruth Field, a field donated by Monsignor Giles Simard, is located on Brock Street in Rochester. Baseball games for 13-15 year-olds are held during the May 1 to July 31 season and older adults utilize the facility after the season ends.

The historic Rochester Commons offers a walking path around the perimeter, ball field, and a playground complete with up-to-date equipment. In the summer months, families enjoy outdoor movies and summer concerts at the Commons.

Several walking and biking paths are enjoyed in the area during the spring, summer and fall months.

Mount Isinglass Recreational Area, part of the Waste Management Turnkey Recycling & Environmental Enterprises in Gonic, offers 3 well marked nature trails along the Isinglass River. Open year-round, this recreational facility is used for hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and picnicking in the summer and ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter. Dog lovers can also enjoy walks at Rochester’s Dog Park located off Rochester Neck Road in Rochester. Hundreds of miles of trails in the Seacoast area are also available for equine enthusiasts.

Health clubs are found in Rochester and neighboring communities that are complete with up-to-date fitness equipment and programs, weight rooms, sauna, swimming pool and more.

Golf enthusiasts enjoy the Rochester Country Club, a public, 18-hole golf course complete with a grillroom, function hall and pro shop, as well as several golf courses found in neighboring communities including Nippo Lake Golf Course in Barrington, The Oaks Golf Links in Somersworth and The Links at Outlook in South Berwick, Maine. Double Eagle Golf Center in Rochester is available for those wishing to practice their swing.

Disc Golf courses are available in Rochester. Squamanagonic Disc Golf Course is located at the Squamanagonic recreation area at 53 Hansonville Road in Gonic. This popular activity is also available at the Salmon Falls Disc Golf Course, located off of Salmon Falls Road on Bernard Road in Rochester.

Flight instruction is available in Rochester by Rochester Aviation, a general aviation flight school based out of the Skyhaven Airport. Skydiving instruction is offered just over the border at Skydive New England in Maine.

Several campgrounds are located in and around Rochester for those who wish to enjoy the outdoors, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and a variety of family activities.

Golf enthusiasts enjoy the Rochester Country Club, a public, 18-hole golf course complete with a grillroom, function hall and pro shop, as well as several golf courses found in neighboring communities including Nippo Lake Golf Course in Barrington, The Oaks Golf Links in Somersworth and The Links at Outlook in South Berwick, Maine. Double Eagle Golf Center in Rochester is available for those wishing to practice their swing.

Flight instruction is available in Rochester by Rochester Aviation, a general aviation flight school based out of the Skyhaven Airport. Skydiving instruction is offered just over the border at Skydive New England in Maine.